Karrin Russo-Brunelli

I attribute my success to a strong commitment to continuous learning, curiosity, and personal growth. I consistently seek to expand my knowledge by asking questions and pursuing certifications—particularly in data and AI governance—even investing in my own development when needed. Over time, I’ve learned to balance high standards with self-compassion, recognizing that progress matters as much as perfection. Additionally, building a deep understanding of the business areas I support, such as technology, AI and wholesale banking, has been essential to being effective and delivering meaningful impact in my role.

The best career advice I’ve received has come from mentors who have played a pivotal role in my growth. Tracy Cairns introduced me to opportunities and networks within women in technology, while Ron Whitworth and Lisa Novier provided invaluable guidance in privacy and data governance. Their support and insights have shaped my career path and reinforced the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and building strong professional relationships.

I advise young women entering the field to focus first on building a strong foundation in a specific business or technology area, rather than trying to move directly into data or AI governance. Developing a deep understanding of how a business operates—whether in a core technology space, data tools, or an industry like wholesale banking—is essential to becoming effective in governance roles over time. I also encourage staying curious, asking questions confidently, and being proactive about learning through certifications and hands-on experience. Most importantly, be patient with yourself—growth takes time, and consistent effort matters far more than perfection.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is keeping pace with the rapid evolution of data and AI governance while ensuring compliance with increasingly complex regulatory requirements. At the same time, this creates significant opportunities to help shape modern governance frameworks, drive innovation, and lead in emerging areas such as AI risk management and data strategy.

I value excellence, growth, and integrity in both my professional and personal life. I am committed to continuous improvement, maintaining high standards in my work, and supporting others through mentorship and leadership development. Outside of work, I prioritize staying active through activities like working out and hiking, and I value spending quality time with my family, especially my young son. I’m also passionate about lifelong learning and continue to invest in my education through certifications in AI and data governance.